TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

1. Tell me more about the Talking Drums Travel Experiences.

The Talking Drums Travel Experiences are limited edition group travel tours and trips, to key Africa-focused events in the Diaspora. Where possible, to procure goods and services from Diaspora businesses, to contribute to the local economy.

2. Why should I join a Talking Drums Travel Experience?

With a Talking Drums Travel Experiences, you will be travelling with a purpose. Where possible, we source our goods and services from Diaspora and local businesses, and also donate a proceed of profits to initiatives that benefit the local communities to where we travel.
With a focus on having a positive impact, we align our services to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. 
We also donate a portion of the proceeds of our travel adventures to a local community initiative in the country we visit.
Therefore, by purchasing a Talking Drums Travel Experience, you will contributing to the following goals: GOAL 4 - Quality Education, GOAL 5 - Gender Equality, GOAL 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth, GOAL 10 - Reduced Inequalities.

3. Who else will be joining the Travel Experience?

We offer the Travel Experience to a limited number of travellers (final number depending on the tour), to enable a deeply immersive experience. By the end of the trip, we hope you leave as a community and group of friends.

4. Can I join by myself?

Of course! Our Travel Experience are small groups and we welcome solo travellers. By the end of the trip, we hope you leave as a community and group of friends.

5. Are there any private rooms options available? 

Yes - each guest has their own room as standard, and this is already included in the cost of the trip.

6. How did you develop the itineraries?

We believe in travelling with a purpose, in cultural immersions, getting off the beaten track and positive impacts.
We also believe travelling and doing good should not have to break the bank.
Therefore each itinerary has been carefully curated based on over 10 years experience solo travelling across the continent, and we have sourced the best accommodation and experiences, enabling affordable yet luxurious experience.

COSTS AND PAYMENT

7. How much do the Travel Experience cost?
The cost of the group Travel Experience vary and are dependant on the location, the activities, excursions and accommodation included, and the time of year. Please click on the links above for the most up to date prices. Talking Drums will provide you with a cost and an overview of trip at the time of booking. Further information and a full itinerary will be provided after your booking is confirmed. In order to secure your place, you must pay at least a deposit.
All deposits are non-refundable.

8. Do I have to pay the cost all at once?

You have the option to pay the total cost at the time of booking or the deposit of £300.
If you choose the deposit option, you can make additional payments on an ongoing basis.
The final balance will be four (4) weeks (30 days) before the start of the tour. You will be unable to join if the full balance has not been paid.
Please note, the deposit is non-refundable.

9. Can I get a refund?

We understand sometimes plans can change. However, once you have paid your deposit, we start making bookings and preparations with our vendors.
As such, the deposit is non-refundable.  A refund can be issued for any other payment made minus the deposit before the final balance due date, four (4) weeks before the start of the tour.Any refund request after this point cannot be issued for the aforementioned reason.

FLIGHTS AND PREPARATION

10. Do the Travel Experience include flights?
Talking Drums Travel Experience do not include international flights or trains. You will responsible for arranging your international flights or trains, and Talking Drums can provide guidance on this. Some trips may include domestic flights, which will be included in the price of the tour unless it is cheaper to include it as part of your international flight booking, for example.

11. What should I do before travelling?

Before travelling, you must ensure you have necessary immunisations for the relevant country, you must have travel insurance that provides sufficient coverage, you must adhere to the necessary entry requirements such as visa, valid passport, copy of a yellow fever certificate. Talking Drums can provide you with guidance on this.

12. Do I have to get travel insurance?

Yes - this is a non-negotiable. You must have travel insurance that provides sufficient coverage and provide us with your policy number before travelling. There are a number of providers and we highly recommend www.worldnomads.com.